East Slopes South

Avalanche conditions will be relatively benign on Sunday. Watch for isolated pockets where wind accumulated snow has formed slabs near ridge crests and at upper elevations. Otherwise challenging travel conditions due to low snow cover and firm surfaces will be the biggest hazard.

Light snow and gusty winds overnight will build shallow wind slabs near ridge crests in exposed terrain. Navigate around steep start zones and features where windblown snow has accumulated. Fresh small cornices and active blowing snow are likely clues as to where pockets of wind slabs might be.  Sunshine and warm temperatures were common Saturday. Firm and or crusty snow conditions will be found in many parts of the zone. Difficult travel conditions will likely be a bigger hazard than the light accumulation of new snow overnight.

The snowpack at lower elevations really took a beating with the rain last week. See below for recent photos of the East South zone east of White Pass (1-16-21). Bumping Ridge at 4600 ft added 5 inches to its snowpack Monday and Monday evening before losing 8 inches to consolidation when the snow changed to heavy rain on late Monday night through Tuesday night. At higher elevations, Green Lake at 5900 ft added 8-14" of snow height before losing 7" to consolidation after the changeover to rain.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.